For the first time, residents of Sitio Haduan in Mabalacat City experienced ‘Cong’ Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr.’s caring public service, as he personally extended support by distributing school supplies and basic needs to the Aeta families in the area.
The gesture has left a lasting impact on the community, especially for parents and children who have never before received such assistance.
Jennifer Saplala, 42, a long-time resident of Sitio Haduan for 27 years, expressed her gratitude: “Malwat na kami pong makatuknang keni, 27 years na po kami keni at ngeni pu magpasalamat kami pu kang Cong Pogi na binye na pu kekami school supply. Ngeni kami mekaranas makanita.”
Similarly, Mercy Tanglao, 27, thanked Cong Pogi for this meaningful support: “Dakal pung salamat kang Cong Pogi o neng first time mi pung makatanggap abyas ampong school supplies.”
Fatima Garcia, 22, was also among those who were grateful: “Dakal pung salamat king binye yung school supply, abyas. Thank you po, Pogi.”
For Ryza Caldubi, 21, it was a memorable moment: “First mi pung mikatanggap saup kang Cong Pogi, Kaya maraming salamat po.”
Diwani Danan, 25, emphasized the challenges faced by Sitio Haduan’s location and weather conditions: “Andyang makulimlim pu ing panaun andyang pung malakas ing uran, di mo po akalain na atin pung mamye kekaming school supply ampong abyas kaya pasalamat kami pung maragul kang Cong Pogi.”
Danan added, “Dakal a salamat keng pamamye ya pong school supplies ampong abyas kahit malayo ing kekami lugar. E me akalain na atsu ya keni, lalo na king panaun na ating bagyo.”
This personal act of Lazatin is a testament of his unwavering commitment to ensure that even the most remote areas feel the presence of his help and care, as he vows that in his leadership, “no one will be left behind.”
Lazatin is set to run for the congressional seat in the First District of Pampanga, where his legislative agenda would focus on seven main areas: Health; Economy and Livelihood; Vulnerable and Marginalized Sectors (Children, Youth, Women, Senior Citizens, Persons with Disability (PWDs), Solo Parents, and LGBTQ); Environment; Education; Transportation; and Barangays.
‘Cong’ is a contraction of the Kapampangan word ‘coya’/’coyang’, used to address an older male.